Southern Cross care homes to get new management

FOUR Hillingdon care homes run by the failed operator Southern Cross PLC will be under new management by November 1.

More than 200 elderly residents at the homes in Harefield, Hayes and Ruislip had been left uncertain of their futures when Southern Cross announced in July that it would fold, but they hope any doubts over their operation will be solved with the transfers.

Southern Cross had been the UK's biggest care home provider but had suffered financially after floating on the stock exchange shortly before the recession.

Nora Walker, whose father lives at Ashwood Care Centre in Derwent Drive, Hayes, and will shortly be transferred to another former Southern Cross property, Aston House in Angel Lane, said she was happy she had been kept informed.

She told the Gazette: "It hasn't been a major worry because we have been kept up to date and if we have asked them what's happening they have been quite forthcoming.

"My father is moving to Aston to help with his dementia. My main concern is what facilities they have. Hopefully it will be a smooth transition."

Aston House and Cedar House in High Street, Harefield, will be transferred to a new operating company called HC-One on October 31, which was set up by landlords NHP to carry on the running of the homes after the collapse of Southern Cross.

Regency Investments, which is registered in the Channel Island tax haven Jersey, owns Ashwood and Blenheim Care Centre in Ickenham Road, West Ruislip. The day-to-day operations of both homes will be transferred to Life Style Care PLC on October 31.

Jamie Buchan, Southern Cross chief executive, said: "I would like to thank all those involved for their continued support in ensuring the seamless transition of homes to new operators, prioritising the continuity of quality care to all of our residents."